NDC Revamps

With a brand new logo and renewed direction, the National Drug Council (NDC) is looking at strengthen its role in curbing drug abuse in the Cayman Islands with several plans.

"A lot of our work is behind-the-scenes, such as research and policy development. However, one of our most important mandates is preventing drug use. To this end, we have developed a number of new initiatives to address substance abuse in our communities," NDC Coordinator and Executive Director Joan West-Dacres said.

"These educational initiatives are multi-faceted and targets youth, parents, teachers as well as employers. They are all aimed at reducing the negative impacts on of drug use, misuse and abuse," Mrs. West-Dacres further explained.

Initiatives are:

Early Elementary Drug Awareness Prevention Workbook - This educational booklet was designed for use in the classroom and home and explains the concepts and negative impacts of substance use and misuse/abuse.

Parents as Preventers Training - This training module empowers parents as preventers through teaching them the signs and symptoms of substance use and abuse. The sessions are conducted upon request at public and private schools in Grand Cayman.

Workplace Training - This workplace workshop highlights the benefits of a drug-free workplace. It also encourages workers with alcohol and drug problems to seek help. This workshop is conducted upon request.

Teachers as Preventers Training - This programme educates teachers on some of the early warning signs of substance abuse, as well as provides them with the information and skills that can help them take a positive approach in dealing with pre-teens and teens in their classrooms. The workshop focuses on: What is happening locally with drug use and young people; Reading the signs; and creating a positive classroom environment.

The NDC, an independent statutory body, was set up under the National Drug Council Law (1997), to assist government in reviewing drug use trends, formulating and developing drug prevention and rehabilitation policies and programmes; conducting drug-use surveys and spearheading public education.